12 - Two-dimensional MXene-based heterostructures for photocatalysis

Abstract

In recent years, although several two-dimensional materials such as graphene, graphitic carbon nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides have been explored in energy and environmental applications, MXenes have obtained more importance because of their excellent stability and cost-effectiveness and they allow the functionalization of surface moieties. This chapter discusses various methods used for the synthesis of MXenes and MXenes-based photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and degradation of organic pollutants with recent findings and advancements in this field. After a brief introduction to the types of MXenes and their structure, general principles of photocatalysis, mechanism involved in hydrogen production, and organic pollutant degradation processes have been explained in detail. The focus is mainly on the idea behind the design and development of MXenes-based photocatalysts along with enhancement in photocatalytic activity. Finally, a summary is given to the recent findings and development of MXenes-based photocatalysts in order to utilize the visible light region of sunlight and future perspective of this material is discussed at the end.